Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, has issued a decree establishing the Big Heart Foundation, a charity which aims to raise awareness about the suffering of refugees.

The decree states that Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Eminent Advocate for Refugee Children at the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), and wife of the ruler, will chair the foundation, state news agency WAM reported.

The decree also states that the foundation will be headquartered in Sharjah and that it can establish branches and offices in other cities and regions inside and outside the UAE.

According to WAM, the aim of the foundation is to "contribute to charitable and humanitarian work and raise awareness about the suffering of refugee and vulnerable children and their families to influence the decision-making mechanisms to promote and protect their rights in accordance with international law".

The foundation’s financial resources will consist of government support, profits from the investment of its own funds, donations and charity campaigns, it added.